The United Ireland – You Decide campaign, which was officially launched on Friday morning, May 3, in Crossmaglen, will see people from Crossmaglen County Armagh and neighboring Creggan Upper in County Louth going to the polls on May 25 on the question of Irish Unity.

The campaign group has taken on the ambitious plan to host a mock border poll asking almost 3,000 people, “Do you think Ireland should be reunited?”

Chairperson of the group Emma McArdle outlined the vision of the campaign saying:

“Our group has come together to tell the story of the people on the ground who actually live day and daily with the effects of the border. Our voice has been lost in this debate so far and so we want to articulate how the border impacts on us.”
[Source: Examiner Newspaper]

CARLOW

Three local charities will benefit from the efforts of some brave men this June when they take a run up Dublin Street in a pair of stilettos.

The Carlow Stiletto Sprint, an alternative to the “wo-men’s” mini marathon, will see some daring divas show off their high-heeled skills when they run, jog and walk through the center of town.

Carlow Mental Health Association, Asante Eye Care Kenya, and Chic and Cheerful – a voluntary run charity shop in Carlow that supports women and children's projects in Kenya and Ethiopia – will all benefit from the fundraiser.
[Source: Irish Independent]

CAVAN

The Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell has been chosen as home to members of the American delegation following U.S. President Barrack Obama while he is attending the G8 Summit of world leaders in neighboring Fermanagh next month, The Anglo-Celt can confirm.

In the past, the U.S. President’s overseas entourage to such events has been known to be as large as 600 persons-strong, and The Celt understands that for the month of June, a total of 2,000 rooms have been booked to accommodate traveling members.

All rooms for the weekend of the summit, taking place June 17-18, have been booked, though the hotel, golf and country club with Ciúin Spa and Wellness Centre will remain open to the public.
[Source: The Anglo Celt]

CLARE

Two of Clare’s Oireachtas members have received abusive correspondence from pro-choice and pro-life campaigners about proposed abortion legislation, it emerged last week.

Deputy Michael McNamara and Deputy Timmy Dooley have outlined a minority of campaigners that resorted to inappropriate language in a week when eight county councilors requested a referendum on the government’s proposed Protection of Life in Pregnancy Bill.

Despite a statement from Catholic bishops that the new bill is unnecessary to ensure that women receive “the life-saving treatment they need during pregnancy,” six Oireachtas members and 24 county councilors have rowed in behind the need to provide legal clarity for the medical profession who have to intervene with terminations of the unborn.
[Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

Twenty-five Cobh residents have committed to taking legal action against the establishment of a new metal recycling facility at the former Verolme dockyard in Rushbrooke and will be personally liable for legal fees of around $79,000.

At a meeting on Tuesday night in Cobh, following expert legal opinion the Cork Harbour Alliance for Responsible Development (C.H.A.R.D.) has decided to lodge judicial review proceedings.

As a result, 25 individuals have committed to be signatories to the High Court proceedings, which will cost around $79,000.
[Source: Cork Independent]

DERRY

A County Derry teenager who died after being struck by a car in Newtownstewart on Friday night, May 3, has been described as a “good-hearted lad.”

Cathal Donaghy (16), from Craigbane village, was on his way to Omagh in a mini bus for a night out with friends when the collision happened at Beltany Road, Newtownstewart about 11 p.m. on Friday. The teenager was standing outside the bus when he was struck by a car.

He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital but died from his injuries on Saturday afternoon, May 4.
[Source: Derry Journal]

DONEGAL

An invitation has been extended to retiring Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, to attend the 40-year anniversary celebrations of the Donegal Manchester United Supporters’ Club.